Mess to the West o Potamia

Qaddafi Unleashes Warplanes on Protesters

As the rage continues in Libya, leader Muammar Qaddafi ordered warplanes and helicopters to halt protesters in the capital Tripoli. Allen Pizzey reports on the continuing crisis, including the ongoing protests on the island Kingdom of Bahrain.

---

Libyan Colonel Qaddafi's 42-year Reign


As violent anti-government protests continue, Mark Phillips profiles the four-decade reign of Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi.

---

As repressive regimes teeter and fall across the Middle East, the armed forces in these countries are in a consequential position. The Egyptian military quickly realized that President Mubarak’s hold on power was slipping. As protests erupted in Cairo, most of the armed forces refused to open fire on civilian protesters. However, the situation is radically different in Bahrain and Libya.

What role do militaries play in political change in the Middle East?

Military's Role in Political Change Audio Embed: PRI & WNYC's program The Takeaway 2/21/11, Hosts: Todd Zwillich, & Celeste Headlee with David Sanger.

From Libya to Bahrain, Arab leaders are challenged by a new kind of movement: Leaderless, mostly young people, who share many of the same demands. Arab leaders have responded with familiar tactics — from offering concessions to sending in the military.

Force Is Likely A Dated Formula Audio Embed: Morning Edition 2/21/11, Reporter: Deborah Amos.